24 April 2025

Dear ,
 

In the news this week: Cost of Connectivity: significant report shows need for affordable internet, digital competition in the spotlight, and Optus customers to see price hikes 

‍CEO Message:

This week, ACCAN released a new report we commissioned Essential Research to undertake on internet affordability. The Cost of Connectivity report shows strong public support — almost 70% — for a concessional internet product, and indicates a pathway to ensure that no Australian is left offline.

Support is even stronger among Australians doing it toughest. Low-income households (82%), people with disability or long-term health conditions (75%), those in serious financial difficulty (81%) and retirees (77%) show overwhelming rates of support.

Our research was featured in an article in The Guardian on Monday. It highlighted our finding that Australians are paying on average $84 a month for essential internet access and explored how other countries are helping people stay connected through concessional broadband schemes.

As I said in the piece, too many Australians are forced to choose between staying connected and paying for essentials like food or rent. There is mounting international evidence that affordable broadband is smart economic policy.

We need our major parties step up to support struggling households by replicating these successful schemes.

The report is now available to read on our website. Please take a moment to read and share it—your voice helps keep pressure on decision-makers.

On Wednesday I was in Canberra to attend the Charities and Not-For Profit Pre-election Forum. This was an excellent opportunity to hear from leaders in the community, advocacy and non-profit sectors. Such organisations are at the heart of our communities, our connectedness, our wellbeing and resilience.

I took the opportunity to advocate for ACCAN's key priorities with Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr Andrew Leigh and Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Senator Dean Smith. Both reiterated their parties’ strong support for the non-profit and community sectors and the importance of supporting our most vulnerable. I also had the chance to talk with ACCAN member, Cass Coldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS).

As the federal election draws closer, our pre-election campaign will continue to focus on affordability policies and solutions to the lack of competition in digital services. You can follow us across various platforms.

This week has made one thing especially clear: more needs to be done to help households under pressure, particularly as telcos begin to announce painful price hikes. A targeted, budget-friendly broadband policy makes sense, and we will continue to advocate for its implementation. Thank you for your support.

‍Carol Bennett

Chief Executive Officer

Cost of Connectivity: new report flags strong support for concessional internet

A new report commissioned by ACCAN and undertaken by Essential Research shows significant popular support for a concessional internet product, and strong demand for cheaper broadband services for people doing it tough in a cost-of-living crisis. 

The Cost of Connectivity: Consumer Attitudes to Concessional Broadband report demonstrates that action is required to provide Australians with affordable internet access to ensure that no Australian is left offline. 

ACCAN is calling on the government to establish concessional internet plans for low-income citizens, following on from similar policies in the US, UK, Singapore and Canada.  

The report is available on the ACCAN website – and further information about the concessional internet proposal can be found in the following media release. [ACCAN] 

Representing communications consumers in Canberra

ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett had the chance to put ACCAN’s key priorities to Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr Andrew Leigh, and Shadow Assistant Minister, Senator Dean Smith on Wednesday evening. Both reaffirmed their parties’ commitment to Australia’s vital not-for-profit and community sectors, and the importance of protecting those most at risk. It was also a pleasure to catch up with Cass Coldie, CEO of ACOSS and a valued ACCAN member, to discuss the shared challenges and opportunities facing our sector. [No link]

Carol Bennett with ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie and Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Senator Dean Smith

‍Carol Bennett with Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr Andrew Leigh

The Guardian: Why is Aussie internet so expensive, and how can we lower the cost?

ACCAN’s latest report, The Cost of Connectivity, made headlines this week in The Guardian, which ran a piece spotlighting rising internet costs and growing public support for concessional broadband. 

The feature highlights findings from ACCAN’s research, which shows Australians pay an average of $84 per month for home internet—and that nearly 70% back a concessional internet plan for people on lower incomes. 

ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett told The Guardian, “Too many Australians are forced to choose between staying connected and paying for essentials like food or rent. That’s not good enough.” 

The article explores international models already in place and reinforces ACCAN’s call for Australia to follow suit. Read more about the report and proposal on our website – or read The Guardian piece below. [The Guardian]

ACCAN pushes for digital competition reform in pre-election campaign

As ACCAN’s pre-election campaign continues into its fourth week, we’re highlighting solutions to the lack of competition in digital services that consumers face. 

Australians face unfair terms and little choice on digital platforms. Our competition laws lag behind the fast-moving digital economy. We need new rules for digital platforms, enforced by the ACCC, to ensure fair competition and stop market dominance abuses before they happen.   

Further, we have been calling for an independent watchdog (a digital platforms Ombudsman) to hold these platforms accountable and ensure transparency. Join us on our social media channels as the election draws closer. [ACCAN] 

Optus announce mobile price increases from June this year

From 4 June, Optus customers on selected postpaid mobile plans will see monthly charges increase by $2 to $6. The telco says the hike will support network upgrades and better service, but for many Australians already feeling the pinch, it’s another strain on tight budgets. 

While affected customers will get more data, we know consumers tend not to use higher data allowances, and many would instead prefer lower data allowances for a lower price. Essential services like mobile connectivity shouldn't come with price shocks. 

This is a timely opportunity for all consumers to shop around to see if another provider has an offer which better suits your needs – and a reminder to policymakers of the value of a telco plan comparison tool. [Nine News]  

As prices rise – consumers ditch ‘premium’ providers for cheaper options

Vodafone has seen a 40% jump in new customers since launching its $1.6 billion network sharing deal with Optus which significantly expanded its mobile footprint. 

TPG Telecom, which owns Vodafone, says many Australians are switching from Telstra and Optus due to lower prices and improved performance, particularly in regional areas like the Sunshine Coast, where new sign-ups spiked 80%. 

While Telstra maintains that its higher prices reflect its broader network coverage, the trend highlights growing consumer demand for more affordable mobile options. 

Real competition benefits everyone—and robust  regulation is key to making sure telcos deliver on both price and performance. [Channel News]

NSW RFS begins Starlink rollout across emergency fleet

In a strong demonstration of the value low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity is bringing to rural areas, the NSW Rural Fire Service has fitted Starlink satellite technology to the first 53 of 5,000 vehicles in a $69 million rollout aimed at boosting emergency communications. 

After some delay, the project is now underway with 20 vehicles in the testing phase. All new RFS vehicles will come equipped with the vehicle-as-a-node (VaaN) system from September 2025. 

The VaaN setup uses Starlink’s LEOSats, along with 4G and mesh routers, to deliver reliable connectivity in remote areas. The rollout is expected to enhance coordination and safety during bushfire responses. [ITNews] 

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